CLSS™ Appeals Procedure

Purpose

The purpose of the CLSS™ Appeals Procedure is to ensure that candidates and certificants have a clear, fair, and impartial process to request review of specific decisions made by the Birthwork Institute™ Certification Council.

1. Decisions Eligible for Appeal

   To ensure fairness while preserving the integrity of the certification program, appeals may be submitted only for the following decisions:

   1. Eligibility Determinations

      A candidate may appeal a decision denying eligibility to sit for the CLSS™ Certification Examination.

   2. Examination Administration Irregularities

      A candidate may appeal if they believe a procedural or administrative issue during exam delivery adversely affected their performance.

      Note: Appeals related to exam content, exam difficulty, or scoring methodology will not be accepted.

   3. Suspension or Revocation of Certification

      A certificant may appeal a disciplinary action that results in suspension or revocation of the CLSS™ credential.

2. Decisions Not Eligible for Appeal

   The following decisions are not subject to appeal:

   • Examination score or failure to achieve the passing standard
   • Psychometric analysis, scoring procedures, or cut scores
   • Exam content, question difficulty, or perceived fairness of items
   • Retake limits or required waiting periods
   • Fees or financial policies
   • Renewal deadlines or expiration dates
   • Audit selections or audit procedures
   • General dissatisfaction with the exam, program policies, or outcomes

   These decisions are final and not open to review.

3. Filing an Appeal

   Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Birthwork Institute™ within 30 calendar days of the date the decision was issued. Appeals submitted after this deadline will not be reviewed.

   The written appeal must include:

   • Candidate or certificant name
   • Contact information
   • The specific decision being appealed
   • A detailed explanation of the basis for the appeal
   • Any supporting documentation

   Appeals should be submitted by email to:
   appeals@birthworkinstitute.com

4. Appeals Review Process

   Appeals will be reviewed by an impartial Appeals Panel, consisting of:

   • The Certification Council Chair, and
   • Two impartial reviewers appointed by the Chair, who:
     • were not involved in the original decision,
     • have no conflict of interest, and
     • possess relevant subject-matter or professional expertise.

   The Appeals Panel will review:

   • the written appeal
   • supporting documentation
   • relevant policies
   • records associated with the original decision

   The panel may request additional information from the appellant if needed.

5. Notification of Decision

   Appeals decisions will be issued in writing within 45 days of receiving a complete appeal. If additional time is needed due to complexity, the appellant will be notified.

   The decision of the Appeals Panel may:

   • uphold the original decision,
   • modify the original decision, or
   • overturn the original decision.

   All appeal decisions are final.

6. Recordkeeping

   The Birthwork Institute™ maintains records of all appeals and outcomes in accordance with its confidentiality and data protection standards. Information is shared only with individuals directly involved in the review process, unless disclosure is required by law.

7. Protection Against Retaliation

   No candidate or certificant will be penalized or disadvantaged for filing an appeal in good faith.

8. Questions and Contact

   Birthwork Institute™
   Email: support@birthworkinstitute.com

   Last updated: December 2025